#Bridgeport, CT –The City of Bridgeport today announced it was a recipient of The Honorable Mention Large City 2017 Livability Award by the United States Conference of Mayor’s. The 2017 City Livability Awards, in its 38th year, recognizes and honors mayors for exemplary leadership in developing initiatives that enhance the quality of life in municipalities. Bridgeport was recognized for The Mayor’s Initiative on Re-entry Affairs (MIRA). This comprehensive city government program, launched by Mayor Ganim in August 2016, helps formerly incarcerated individuals to advance their education and careers to establish new lives.
“I am so proud of MIRA for how it has positively impacted the lives of those individuals with prior convictions and their families,” said Mayor Ganim. “Being recognized across the country among the nation’s largest cities is a testament to the efforts of many who believe in second chances and change.”
Since his return, Mayor Ganim has made it his mission to unite Bridgeport’s businesses and non-profits to provide ex-offenders community resources and employment. MIRA was created to connect returning citizens to wraparound services, employment and educational opportunities utilizing a comprehensive holistic community-based approach. The approximately 8,500 ex-offenders living in the city of Bridgeport represent 19% of the total population in the city in need of employment. Before an ex-offender can get or hold a job, however, sometimes that person needs mental health services, education assistance and housing services. MIRA plays a vital role in creating a strong framework to decrease recidivism by supporting collaborative partnerships for citizens returning to the Bridgeport community.
(City of Bridgeport Press Release)
